USDA and HHS Update Dietary Guidelines to Encourage Real Food, Less Sugar

AJMC January 7, 2026
Pearl Steinzor Fact checked by: Julia Bonavitacola

Key Takeaways

• The guidelines promote whole, nutrient-rich foods and reduced added sugars and processed items to improve national health.
• A healthy diet includes vegetables, fruits, legumes, nuts, whole grains, and unsaturated fats, while limiting red meats, sugars, and refined grains.
• Specific guidance on ultra-processed foods and alcohol is limited due to ongoing evidence uncertainties.
• The guidelines aim to influence public health policy and federal nutrition programs, supporting sustainable dietary changes for lifelong health.

Dietary guidelines recommend more whole foods and protein while reducing added sugar and highly processed foods for healthier eating.

The USDA and HHS have released the 2025–2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, urging people to focus on whole, nutrient-rich foods while cutting back on added sugars...

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